For its first major London outing, international party series Detour Discotheque will stage a one-off ’70s-inspired shindig at Somerset House’s riverside terrace on Saturday July 25.
Hosted by DJ and promoter Jonny Ensall, the travelling disco – which has previously popped-up in Icelandic fjords, Swiss mountaintops and remote Scottish islands – will be set against sweeping views of the Thames, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
With space for up to 500 revellers, the evening will begin with open-air sunset drinks before the late-night disco moves inside a warehouse-style space inspired by the clubs of ’70s New York.
While the series is known for its off-beat, far-flung locations, Ensall tells Broadsheet that this edition is about “finding something spectacular and unexpected in the heart of the city.” The aim, he says, is to transport guests “out of time – to slip between worlds back to the epic discos of golden era NYC.”
The night draws inspiration from legendary parties like DJ David Mancuso’s Loft, where dancefloors were built around inclusivity. “The original discos were all about finding a sense of community – outsiders feeling like insiders on the dancefloor,” says Ensall. “Everyone who arrives there has taken an unexpected journey of some kind – they already share that experience, as well as a desire just to dance and be free.”
Musically, that means he’s spinning a mix of era defining hits and deeper cuts, with everything from Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to lesser-known disco tracks on the setlist, alongside bangers from Chic, Donna Summer and Sylvester.
Somerset House will be transformed into a “mirror ball-filled playground” set to run into the early hours. Food and drink will be available throughout the night, too, set to include fizzy spritzes, beers, tacos and pizza.
Detour Discotheque will take place at Somerset House on Saturday July 25 from 5pm until late. Tickets are on sale now, from £19.50.
